That parents don’t need to compromise on their most valuable asset

UPDATE: Due to the high volume of applications and inquiries being submitted, in order to streamline the process and get back to you efficiently, if you have any questions, want to speak with the Hanhola to get more information, or plan a visit to the Yeshiva, please first complete Step 1 on the application page. Once completed we will contact you within a day or two, IY”H

For Our TalmidimThe emotional wellbeing and happiness of a child is the foundation for his success. In order to achieve this we build a safe and nurturing environment of Yiras Shomayim and Chassidishkeit. In such an environment a Bochur can grow to love learning, challenge himself to go beyond his current level, and excel at his own pace. MLTL maintains high standards of academic excellence and nurtures Talmidim in an environment infused with Hiskashrus to the Rebbe. We encourage curiosity, critical thinking, personal responsibility and self respect, as well as mutual responsibility and respect for other Talmidim. In such a way, we strive to foster a strong sense of self esteem as they mature during these critical years.

For Parents
We believe that communication with parents is of utmost importance and take pride in our responsiveness to parents’ concerns and involvement of parents as much as possible. We strongly encourage parents to be in regular contact with their son, and stress to our Talmidim the need to involve parents in their lives as much as possible while away from home.

For Our StaffWe believe that the Yeshiva experience benefits the staff as much as it does the Bochurim.
היינו דאמר רבי הרבה תורה למדתי מרבותי ומחבירי יותר מהם ומתלמידי יותר מכולן
We provide our staff with clear guidelines, expectations, and procedures. Our staff attend regular ongoing professional training and are encouraged to increase in their own learning. Our goal is for our staff members to grow each year together with their Talmidim and go מחיל אל חיל.Being involved in Chinuch adds to one’s knowledge and experience, such that it increases one’s ability to be a positive influence on others… (Hisvaaduyos, 5749 pg. 378)

It is not sufficient to learn a matter with the student, and assume that Hashem will help that the student will make the effort on his own. Rather one must make a special effort to learn with the student until he can understand it in his own terms…(Hisvaduyos, 5749 pg. 409)Read more…

Educating the Complete Child

By creating an environment which is safe and nurturing, Talmidim can be encouraged to go out of their comfort zones and find new strengths inside of themselves. A Mechanech must be in tune with the child and know how to turn his challenges into strengths, until he himself learns to see his own virtues and desires to grow and challenge himself in all areas of his Avodas Hashem. Read more…

Keys to Hatzlocha

Communication

Parents are updated weekly on Yeshiva life, special events, important announcements and schedule changes. Hanhola are always available and responsive to parents’ concerns. We believe that only with close collaboration can we meet the full needs of the Talmid.

Shemiras Hasedarim, Responsibility and Personal Conduct

The Baal Shem Tov was systematic and orderly. The Maggid, his successor, insisted on order. And my great-grandfather – the Alter Rebbe – taught chassidim to be orderly.

(Hayom Yom, 7 Tammuz)

Curriculum

MLTL provides a traditional curriculum of Nigleh and Chassidus, while not losing focus of the goal of Talmidim graduating with a broad knowledge of Yedios Klaliyos, basic learning skills, and desire to learn more.
Please scroll below for details on the Limudei Kodesh curriculum, as well as info on the general studies curriculum.

Registration now open for שנת הלימודים ה'תשע''ט

Application is open to Bochurim entering Mechina (8th gr) and Shiur א׳ only. Shiur ב׳ and ג׳ applications will only be considered in special circumstances. (Please contact the Hanhola before proceeding).

Space is very limited. With a focus on each Bochur, we are very selective to ensure that our Talmidim will achieve the maximum benefit from our Yeshiva, and parents can be assured that their son will be in a wholesome environment free from any unwanted influences.

Curriculum and Academics

At Mesivta Lev Tmimim the curriculum is built under the direct guidance of veteran Mechanchim and Mashpi’im with a goal of ensuring strict adherence to the Rebbe’s goals of Mesivta Chinuch. Specifically, the Rebbe has made it clear on numerous occasions that the goal of the Yeshiva nowadays is different than it was in previous generations. As such the the curriculum should be designed such that the goals of this generation”s Yeshiva Chinuch should be achieved. Read more…

’לימודי חול ’על טהרת הקודש

Children should be taught to appreciate that everything is connected with the Torah. When they perform an experiment in a science lab, they should know that it is G-d’s creative power that is causing the chemical reactions they observe… If a person thinks of secular wisdom as being unrelated to the Torah, he does not understand the Torah, nor does he truly understand the secular subject he is studying. (The Rebbe in Yechidus as related to Rabbi Moshe Feller) Read more…

Exposure to wide range of extra curricular subjects

As part of the rich curriculum of learning, we believe that exposing young Talmidim to many areas of knowledge will help expand and broaden their knowledge and help motivate them to further increase in their learning. As such, we have periodic guest Shiurim provided by various professionals including Shluchim, Mohel, Sofer, Shochet, as well as a Medical Doctor to discuss healthy lifestyle, exercise, sleeping and eating habits with the Bochurim. Read more…

The true bond is created by studying Torah. When you study my Maamarim, read the Sichos and associate with those dear to me – the Chassidic community and the Tmimim – in their learning and Farbrengens, and you fulfill my request regarding saying Tehillim and being careful with learning times – in this is Hiskashrus.

דור השביעי

Hiskashrus is the foundation for the life of a Tomim

Faculty

Rabbi Avrohom Moshe Kanarek

In addition to our devoted staff, we are also very fortunate for שנת הלימודים ה’תשע”ח to be Zoche to a wonderful group of Bochurim Shluchim who, in addition to the Learning Mivtzahs, and Mivtzoyim that they’ll be arranging, will also be spending much time working with individual Bochurim and small groups to assist with those needing extra help, as well as to challenge more advanced Bochurim in higher level learning. They are full of Chayus and are a beautiful Chassidishe Dugma Chaya for the young Talmidim.

Social Well Being and Achdus

On the one hand,the Inyon of Bitul, which is evident in the Achdus with other Yidden…And on the other hand, together with the Bitul, must be evident the strong sense of self of each Yid in his own right, that each Yid is a ‘Mekabel Hatorah’, each according to his own level…

FAQ

Sending your child away is a very serious matter and sometimes a bit frightening. We want our parents to know that we understand that and are here to make that decision easier. You likely have many questions and concerns. Here are some common questions answered. Please feel free to contact the Yeshiva with any other questions.

1. Why should we consider Lev Tmimim for our son's Mesivta education?

Mesivta years are, in a sense the most critical years of a child’s education. These are years of transition in which a child is making significant changes toward his adult years. These are the years of adolescence which will set the tone for his adult life.

We have heard from many parents in the community that they are looking for a Yeshiva that addresses, not only their academic aspirations, and not only their desire for a Chassidic environment for their son, but a school that will look at the complete needs of the child. Parents don’t want to compromise on emotional wellbeing in the name of a “Chassidishe image”. Every child deserves to be in a safe wholesome environment, על טהרת הקודש, despite his level of learning and natural abilities. Any Bochur who desires such an environment and is willing to make the effort, is welcome to join our program.

At Lev Tmimim, the Hanhola and staff begin each day with this in mind. Staff are trained to make a conscious decision to look at each Bochur – every day – as a work in progress, a human being who is developing and growing into who he will be for the rest of his life. Every interaction the child has with his teachers and peers will be part of forming who he will become and is therefore important.

2. How is the philosophy of MLTL unique?

Everyone who had the Zchus to meet with the Rebbe, personally experienced in his presence this common feeling: they mattered. The Rebbe gave each person he met his full attention to the extent that people describe it as a feeling that nothing else existed at that moment. And the Rebbe imparted the sense that he believed in them and expected more of them.

This is the foundation and approach of MLTL. Each Talmid has an infinite value – not because of his achievements, but based on his essential being – a חלק אלוקה ממעל ממש. And when a child feels that, and senses that his teachers and Hanhola believe in him and in his ultimate worth, then he believes in himself and his ability to achieve – academically, and spiritually – more than he thought possible.

In a nutshell, whereas some may see an educator’s main goal to impart academic information and knowledge, and agree that emotional wellbeing is important, our approach is reversed – personal wellbeing is the foundation. For when a child feels cared for and valued, then his academic learning will also soar. We believe that the ultimate goal is for the Talmid to grow up to be a well adjusted, happy and productive Chosid.

Further, one of the great achievements of the Rebbe is his creation of leaders. The Rebbe’s army of Shluchim, and Anash are people who together have turned the world around one Shliach, one Mivtzah, one Bochur, one Tefillin, or candle at a time.

At MLTL leadership is communicating to each Bochur his worth and potential so that he is inspired to see it in himself. And that Leadership attitude is what we try to bring out in each Bochur regarding everyone else. In other words, he is a leader when he helps his peers see the greatness in themselves.

While raising Talmidim who are great in learning Nigle and Chassidus – the primary mission should be raising בעלי מסירות נפש for Ahavas Hashem, Ahavas HaTorah, and Ahavas Yisroel, and דוקא bringing to concrete actions.
(Igros Kodesh Vol. 18, pg. 168)

3. Is MLTL an 'alternative' Yeshiva?

The long answer:

Many observers have claimed that the Rebbe is not a ‘typical’ Rebbe, by any measure; that his approaches are “out of the box” and ‘unique’. Right from the start of the Rebbe’s Nesius, creativity and innovation were the Rebbe’s hallmarks. Whether it was the Mivtzoyim, or the Inyon of Shlichus itself, the style of his Torah, or the “public” Yechidus given to thousands at “Dollars”, everything the Rebbe taught us is about challenging the status quo and not being afraid to find novel ways to achieve the goal of Dira B’Tachtonim.

We are critically aware that any innovation must be made al Pi Torah and Halacha and in strict adherence to guidelines of Rabbonim and Mashpiim.

MLTL is only alternative if one thinks that the Rebbe’s vision is alternative. Our goal is to raise children in the Rebbe’s vision to the best of our understanding. Relationship is foundation. As we quoted the Rebbe above, Chinuch must come through love and connection, as we can tangibly see that education through revealed love is more effective than education through fear and awe. In this generation, when our children are struggling with so many challenges in the environment, how much more so must this be a guiding light in our Chinuch approach.

The short answer:

BeChitzoniyus, visibly speaking, Yeshiva life is standard as any other Chabad Mesivta. Seder begins at 7:45am with Chassidus, and ends 9pm with Seder Sichos. The morning Seder is Gemara L’Iyuna followed by Halacha, and Chazara, Inyonei Geulah Umoshiach, etc. Bochurim engage in Mivtzoyim Friday afternoons, and Farbrengens on Yomei D’Pagra, wear hats and jackets, and go to Mikvah.

The uniqueness of the Yeshiva is seen less in static images, than being felt in day to day life, in the relationship between Hanhola and Talmidim, responsibilities given to them, and expectations that are lovingly, but firmly demanded of them.

4. I hear that your Yeshiva focuses on the emotional wellbeing of children. We believe in that and want that for our son. But does that mean that academics is of secondary importance in this Mesivta? Will my son learn, and learn how to learn?

The following is a direct quote from a letter that the Rebbe wrote, as we mentioned above: It is not sufficient to learn a matter with the student, and assume that Hashem will help that the student will make the effort on his own. Rather one must make a special effort to learn with the student until he can understand it in his own terms (Hisvaduyos, 5749 pg. 409).

We feel that what the Rebbe is saying is that in order for there to be success in learning, there have to be two components – ‘a special effort’, and ‘with the student’. Both of these ingredients are foundational in the philosophy of Mesivta Lev Tmimim. Teachers are trained specifically on how to approach each child with his unique style, and his needs.

To answer your question directly, as explained in 2 above, we believe that when a child is happy, and emotionally strong, and confident in himself, then his learning and academic success will be improved many times over. We are absolutely committed to serious academic learning of both Nigleh and Chassidus and if your son is accepted to our program, then we commit to helping him improve his learning skills and achieving his maximum potential. Please read more about this here. Unlike most Yeshivos, our Gemara classes are divided by level rather than grade. We feel this is the only way to ensure that your son will truly be learning to his fullest potential. Often when students are clumped into a class based solely on the year they were born, the result is that many students are lost because the level is too high, many are bored because it’s too low, and only some are appropriately challenged in their learning.

With our system, Talmidim range from traditional levels of learning including Rashi, Tosfos and Meforshim in the main class, and those needing a slower pace can receive fitting Shiur, while the Bochurim lagging more in their skills can work on the basics in a class meant for their current level.

5. What is the significance of the name Lev Tmimim?

The name of our Yeshiva expresses the essence of our philosophy. To educate and raise our Talmidim to be Mekushar to the Rebbe and worthy of the name Tomim in the Rebbe’s Mosad. And this is to be achieved by connecting with each Talmid personally, with his heart…

The Novi tells us that Eliyahu Hanovi will come and bring peace between the parents and their children. Apparently, certain rifts will take Eliyahu Hanovi himself to repair. On the other hand, the Rebbe says that through working to connect the older generation with children we can help hasten the coming of Eliyahu, and hence Moshiach. Also, the Rebbe has tasked us with living with Moshiach already now. So if we can find ways to “bridge the gap”, as the Rebbe writes, we can do both. MLTL aims to help hasten the Geulah and the fulfillment of the Nevua of והשיב לב אבות על בנים ולב בנים על אבותם. We feel that the most powerful way to do that is to listen and hear what is going on in the hearts of our children and Talmidim – Lev Banim, Lev Tmimim.

A message we stress to all our teachers is that they seek first to understand before being understood. Whereas too often in classrooms the teacher’s goal is that the student understand the teacher, resulting in very often the opposite result – our approach is to make sure that the child feels he is understood. When this is realized, then his heart and mind are more open to hearing what he is being taught.

We learn this from the Rebbe. The stories and examples of the Rebbe giving his full attention to Chassidim are too numerous to even attempt to count. The common theme is that the Rebbe makes people feel empowered to achieve much more than they thought was possible. The Rebbe simply saw the true infinite value inside every Yid he met with, and that released their potential for success.

6. What is your policy regarding cell phones and electronic devices?

As our underlying mission is to ensure the emotional wellbeing of the Talmid, we understand the importance of communication between parents and children. And we strongly encourage every Bochur to be in close contact with parents regularly. We recognize the difficulty to do so when a child is away from home and the Brocha of cell phones is a welcome development in this area.

However, one of the most important commitments we make to the parents of our Talmidim is to provide their son with a safe environment. We want every parent to feel confident that when they send their son away from home, he will not be exposed, Ch”V, to unhealthy influences and content. Likewise, it is obvious that today’s devices are a tremendous distraction that makes learning and growing as a Tomim even more difficult.

In order to balance both of these needs, we have found that a strictly enforced policy regarding content and usage, with a liberal allowance of possession of the phone is an effective means of achieving these goals.

As such, we allow Bochurim to have their own cell phones and they may keep them throughout the week. At the same time, we are very serious about the type of device and the content available on these devices, as well the times they may be used.

A Tomim in our Yeshiva may only have a phone which is NOT a “smart-phone” and has no ability to connect to the internet (including Cell/Wifi or any other connection). Simply canceling the Internet service on the phone’s line is not sufficient. Furthermore, phones may not have any texting service available on the phone. We understand that texting is a very convenient and useful means of communication with your child, but at the same time, it is a significant distraction and risk as well. Adhering to this policy enables us to allow Bochurim to keep their phones with them throughout the week in a practical way, thereby enabling parents to reach their children much more flexibly than the other option of taking phones away during the week.

We feel that most parents will appreciate the adherence to this policy and the peace of mind that they will have knowing that their son will not be exposed to unhealthy content from peers. If this policy will be difficult for you to accept, please reconsider wether this is the best Mosad for your son.

Please feel free to click here to contact the Hanhola to discuss this further if you wish.

7. Do you have a policy on child safety and how do you ensure the protection of your Talmidim from abusive situations?

That is a very important question and we take a very strong stance on this matter. Please read our full policy and guidelines on the Child Safety page.

8. What is your alcohol policy?

Saying L’chaim is an integral part of the culture of Chassidim, M’Dorei Doros. The Rebbe gave out L’Chaims on many occasions, and Chassidim Farbreng and wish each other many Brochos over a Glezel Mashke. We are not going to minimize the significance of this important Minhag.

Nevertheless, at MLTL we firmly believe that alcohol consumption at the young Mesivta age is not appropriate and at this stage of their lives, Bochurim stand more to be harmed, than to gain from engaging in drinking.

As such, as a general rule, we do not allow Bochurim to say L’Chaim on Mashke. Our Farbrengens are filled with energy and Chayus fanned by the Chassidishe Ma’ases, Niggunim, and Divrei Malchus being shared, and we don’t feel the Talmidim need the assistance of alcohol to achieve the desired effects.

At Farbrengens ALL Talmidim are encouraged to participate actively, to share – whether a D’var Torah, a story, a question, or just lead a Niggun. Farbrengens are opportunities for the Bochurim to connect with each other and with the Rebbes and utilize the inspiration for personal growth and Hachlotos Tovos.

9. What kind of boys do you accept to your Yeshiva?

This is probably the most important question to ask and we get asked this very often. Please see this blog post for the long answer and comprehensive reply to this question.

The short answer:
Any Bochur who is seeking a serious Chabad Chinuch, including Nigleh, Chassidus and an atmosphere of Chassidishkeit is welcome to apply. Being that we offer Limudei Chol, we have found that it is important to make very clear that the expectations of Yiddishkeit and Tahara are not in any way decreased and if a Bochur does not recognize that, he will likely not be accepted, nor satisfied in the Mesivta.

The program is a very warm and caring one, but at the same time with very high expectations and clear structure. A Talmid who applies to MLTL must be able to learn and behave in a typical school setting. The Mesivta does not have the facilities and resources for unique challenges – behavioral, emotional, or religious.

In short, our approach is to offer the same care, involvement, and effort for mainstream Bochurim, that often is reserved only for non-mainstream boys. BUT we do not have the ability to cater to those beyond the mainstream spectrum. However, we will be happy to suggest alternatives if you would like to contact the Hanhola for suggestions and guidance for such a situation.

10. What is the Mechina (8th gr) program?

Traditionally, Chabad Mesivta in the US are three years of schooling equivalent to 9th – 11th grades. In Europe and some other places, some Mesivtas begin the year before, with a grade for boys in their Bar Mitzvah year – 8th gr.

There are many advantages to such an approach, and especially in situations where there is not an ideal schooling environment, such as out of town communities, and families on Shlichus. Over the last few years we have accepted individual students in such situations and it has been very beneficial for them although not ideal as they joined the Shiur Aleph class a year early.

Therefore, due to many requests from Anash and families of Shluchim with boys too old to attend the local day schools in out of town communities, we have opened a formal Mechina class. The Mesivta Mechina program is for boys who have completed 7th grade, are in their Bar Mitzvah year, and are seeking to develop in their learning, Avodah, and personal growth.

The Mechina Shiur is currently limited to approximately ten Talmidim who are mature enough and prepared to live away from home, coming with strong learning skills and Chassidishe Midos and Hanhoga. The program is guided by a Mechanech dedicated specifically to this grade with curriculum and programming geared towards nurturing and developing the boys at this transition period.

Want to learn more?

If you’re question is not answered feel free to reach out to us today.